Chapter 3 – A Parting only makes the heart grow fonder……

     "Hey there, ZA! You're back after your confinement, eh? Whew am I glad to pass the baton to you!" A cheery voice greeted me as I walked up to resume my position as Zell's Angel.

     "Yep… that's right. I'm glad to be back as well! Now I'm so sick of journals that the mere mention of it leaves a bitter aftertaste in my mouth! Urgh!" I don't usually make small talk with the other Angels. I was quite the loner (kind of like Squall, really) but today was different. A deliciously warm feeling seemed to spread all over me, and I just felt like passing it on to others.

      "I must commend you on the great job you have done on him! Hyne knows how you do it… he has threats coming at him 24/7! It's a wonder one can still stand up after warding them away at the end of each day! I only have respect and admiration for you, ZA! Keep up the good work!"

   

     When will he ever stop his rambling? I want to get back to my Master before something bad happens!

    I was kind of impatient, and started shifting my weight from one foot to another. But of course, he did not notice it a bit and continued going on and on about how much energy he had expensed while taking care of Zell on my behalf. Was he expecting some kind of acknowledgement from me? Fat Hope.

     "Whoah… look at the time! It's about right now that little bully Seifer starts taunting Zell. I think I gotta rush. Sorry for being so abrupt!" In a desperate attempt to get away, I thought of the lamest excuse there could ever be.

    I hope he falls for it. I muttered to myself.

     "Right! I should be on my way then… in search of another Lady. I've had it up to here with Masters. Ha Ha!" He laughed uproariously, placing his hand at his chin to indicate his aversion.

    What a pompous idiot. I thought in contempt, while faking a big laugh along with him.

     "Well, see ya around!" He waved; I returned it, and started rushing towards Zell in a hurry.

    I can't wait to see him again! I could remember thinking so as I rushed to my Master's side.

    Ah… how I've missed him. I did not fully realise the extent of it until I saw his face. But I did not get a chance to reflect on it, which was fortunate. Or I would have fried my brains thinking about the implications and whatnot.

     "Oh… you're finally back! What a relief! Your replacement wasn't of much use… I had to help out all of the time!" Seifer's Angel broke into a huge smile to indicate his happiness at my return. I suppose I couldn't blame him… it was rather tiring to have to look after two little boys. Hah.

     "Yeah… I could have guessed. He looks, sounds, and acts like a himbo. Gwahahahaha!!!" I let out a great peal of laughter as I readied my stance for the onslaught of attacks from the evil kind.

     "Watch your mouth… you've just had a taste of the consequences of breaking the rules! I shouldn't need to remind you of that!"

     "Aye aye… sir! Now if you don't mind… Ah've got some defending to do!" I jested in a badly imitated accent.

    Things did not go back to normal after I returned. I kept having disturbing thoughts on how I must never leave him again. My concentration while shielding him reached an all-time high. I did not take any of the breaks that we were usually entitled to at certain times, when the level of bad activity hits a low. Nor did I sleep well… which caused many of my feathers to fall off due to neglect and ill health. What a mess I must have looked. SA kept looking at me worriedly… and I was totally oblivious to his concern.

    Such was the way I spent most of me and Zell's growing years (yes, dishevelled appearance and all)… looking after my Master and indulging in a sense of satisfaction as he grew better and better everyday. He was definitely cut out to be an ally all the way, let me tell you! I even have a secret wish that he would be the main protagonist, but hey, I'm not the one who decides such things. I just can't imagine him as a bad character, can you? Unless he were to be possessed by an evil spirit, but I made sure THAT will never happen.

    Fast forward to the near past… where Zell had become a SeeD.

                             * * * * * * *  * * * * * * * YAY * * * * * * *  * * * * * * * 

     Place: Event Hall where The Graduation Ball was held (was that the place? Couldn't really remember. Must be getting old.)

     Zell had just finished talking to Squall about them being SeeDs and all… and after having politely but hastily declined Selphie's invitation to join the Garden Festival, he walks with a glass of champagne in his hand towards the Buffet Table.

    Damn it! I'm just so proud of my Master! He looks really handsome in his SeeD uniform. Why oh why does this bother me so much? I'm sweating buckets just looking at him! If only I could have a dance with him! Hmm… that's a nice song! "Eyes on Me" by Julia Heartilly. Groan… why am I thinking of such things?

     I fretted endlessly over my inappropriate thoughts. Luckily there were no watchful eyes from SA to take note of my uncomfortable expressions. His Master did not qualify as SeeD… what a shame. I mean it! I do! I really feel regret for him. Seifer, not SA.

    Zell starts to stuff his mouth with hotdogs, humming a hotdog song happily.

          "Yummy Yummy Hotdogs

          Lemme have 'em Hotdogs

          Every single Day~~~~!!

          And I shall be so happy

          So wondrously happy

          More than I can say~~~!!"

     "WAHAHAHHAHAHA!" I was shaking uncontrollably and bent over at the waist with laughter, my abdomen aching like Hell. "He's such a comedian! My one and only Master! What would I do without you!"

   Then, my laughter caught in my throat as I mulled over that last question.

    Indeed. What would I do without him? I have never thought of that. I couldn't bear to think of the impact it would have on me. It is just too heartbreaking to comprehend! Wait! Did I say heartbreaking? Why on Earth would I say that? Something's wrong… very wrong with me!

  Later… I was to find out what this something was……

                                          @ff8@ff8@ff8@ff8@ff8@ff8@ff8@ff8@

Water lily's words:

Wow…. I never expected reviews to come up so fast. Thanks to you (yes, dear, that's you), I now have the strength to carry on writing. *Joke* Oh, please be assured that this story wouldn't be hanging in the air without continuation, cos it's already finished. I just need to upload it. But I ask a for little patience over the progress… I'm having exams right now in holiday month December… just great. :-/